A Gift of Escape This Mother’s Day

Looking for the perfect gift for a busy mom this Mother’s Day?  This May, give her the gift of relaxation with Spa Terme Di Aroma’s Escape Spa Package. This Escape Facial plus Aromatherapy Massage is just what she’ll need to rejuvenate this spring.

With this package, moms will enjoy Spa Terme Di Aroma’s classic mini facial using the exquisite skincare products of YonKa of Paris, followed by their signature full body Aromatherapy Massage. Combining Swedish massage with the ancient healing powers of aromatherapy, this package is sure to melt away all stress and tension.

Spa Terme Di Aroma is an award winning Aromatherapy Day Sanctuary which blends the enchantment of the old world with an alluring menu of spa treatments to calm your mind, reinvigorate your body and renew your spirit.  Originating from the beliefs and practices of the ancient healing centers and temples of the Mediterranean world, they practice a holistic approach to health as a balance of mind, body and spirit, with a focus on Aromatherapy.  As one of the oldest of all healing arts, they draw upon its use of the precious essences of plants and trees (essential oils) to restore and rejuvenate health and well-being and help clients and guests to feel a sense of balance, uplifted peacefulness, and calm.

For more information about this and other Mother’s Day spa packages, visit www.termediaroma.com.

Spa Terme Di Aroma
32 North 3^rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 829-9769
info@termediaroma.com

Excited to Join the Team!

Although I have taken a circuitous route to arrive here, I have long appreciated and respected Cashman & Associates. After graduating with a double degree in English and Communication from La Salle University, I explored different career opportunities that arose from each major. My first experience with the company was as the editor of a local website, when I wrote an article covering a new restaurant that Cashman represented. I was immediately impressed by the elegance and exclusivity of the brand.

From that initial encounter, I kept tabs on Cashman & Associates as I worked in various positions in marketing and the media. When it became clear that a career in event coordination would best suit my interests and abilities, I set my sights on becoming part of the team I had always admired.

I am beyond excited to join the talented group of professionals led by Nicole Cashman as Special Events Coordinator. To come onboard at the start of Philadelphia’s busiest (and my favorite) season is a challenge that I happily embrace!

Nicole’s Favorite Things

I have to admit, one of my absolute guilty pleasures is reality television. Cat fights, drama, love-triangles and fashionistas, what could be more entertaining? Here are some of my favorite (and of course, fashion-focused) shows that I cannot get enough of:

L.A. Frock Stars—New on the Smithsonian channel, L.A. Frock Stars, is all about my favorite subject, vintage couture. These vintage-hunters search high and low to find the most incredible rare vintage pieces for their boutique. Don’t miss this one on Thursday nights at 8PM.

Project Runway—The ultimate in fashion television, I can watch marathons of Project Runway on Lifetime for hours. From dresses made of Hersey Kisses toI garments using only car parts, these designers almost always ‘make it work,’ to quote the irresistible co-host, Tim Gunn. Plus, it airs conveniently right after L.A. Frock Stars on Thursday nights at 9PM.

The Rachel Zoe Project—Another great one on Bravo, Zoe is reality TV’s favorite fashionista and one of my style icons. But I’d like to point out that I did in fact have the bangs first. Catch Rachel and her adorable son Skyler on Wednesday nights at 9PM. Her style, her son, her work ethic, I die. Sky, Sky.

Dukes of Melrose—Bravo’s new series, Dukes of Melrose, is also set in LA in a vintage couture boutique (are you starting to see a theme here?). These ‘Dukes’ are constantly clashing and their banter is endless, but I can’t get enough of their fabulous couture finds! Don’t miss it on Wednesdays at 10:30PM.

What’s New in Atlantic City

Last week the Atlantic City Alliance marked the one year anniversary of its “Do AC” campaign by announcing a series of 10 new events in Atlantic City for 2013. We’re talking wine, music, sand sculptures, speed boats and airplanes… the list goes on! Now, there are more reasons than ever to Do AC anyway you feel like.

• Do AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade – Sat, May 4 – Sun, May 5 – Outdoor wine festival features 150 wines presented at 7 destinations along the Boardwalk.  Music, food and insider access to great wines inspired by the spirit of the Boardwalk. Buy your tickets here!
• Boardwalk Beat – Debuting Memorial Day Weekend – Third installment of AC’s spectacular 3D sound and light show on the façade of Boardwalk Hall will highlight music through the decades with projections, sound, theatrical lighting and architectural video-mapping technology. The free outdoor show runs every half hour nightly.
• World Championship of Sand Sculpting – Thu, Jun 13 – Sun, Jun 30 – Hosted for the first time ever in the birthplace of sand sculpting! Free public event invites visitors to watch as solos and doubles create sand sculptures in head-to-head contests on the beach.
• Atlantic City Offshore Grand Prix – Sun, Jun 23 – Powerboats will race on a six-mile course not far from the beach. Free and open to the public; this event begins and ends at the Frank S. Farley State Marina and Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino.
• AC Salutes America’s Armed Forces Parade – Mon, Jun 24 – In its 3^rd year, the Parade is held in conjunction with the Airshow and is a stirring tribute. Nearly 150 units participate along with motorcycles, floats, beauty queens and high school bands.
• Atlantic City Airshow – Wed, Jun 26 – For over a decade, the AC Airshow has been a beloved tradition. This year, the show will be packed with amazing stunts and breathtaking aeronautic maneuvers by a host of exciting commercial acts.

And, to really get you in the mood, check out AC’s new commercial – it debuted this week!

It’s Makeover Time!

Guest Post by Letter27, a branding agency

Spring is here – which means it’s the perfect time for a new look. We’re not talking highlights or a new cut. We’re talking branding. Just like your personal style speaks volumes about you, your brand tells the world all they need to know about your business. A smart look and consistent voice says that you’ve got it together and pay attention to details, while a haphazard, messy brand says, well, you get the idea. See for yourself – here are a few of our favorite brand makeovers (and who doesn’t love a good Before & After?)

Northern Children’s Services: Cold & Corporate to Warm & Whimsical

Northern Home for Children had been more than just “a home” for years. And with a new capital campaign around the corner, it was time for their name – and look – to reflect that. We learned quickly that the people in charge were the warmest, most upbeat, genuinely all-about-the-kids folks we’d ever met. And now, their brand, website, collateral materials and even on-campus signage reflect that.

More here

Chilly Jilly: Bargain Basement to Boutique

A messy storefront is bad for business – especially the business of fashion. Chilly Jilly’s products were being featured on the Today Show, in fashion magazines, and in high end boutiques across the country, but the website was more Boscov’s than Bergdorf’s, and sales were suffering. A new web boutique and glamour shoot and, just like that, Chilly Jilly had a storefront they could be proud of.

More here

The Philadelphia Art Alliance: Dull & Drab to Fresh & Funky

The Philadelphia Art Alliance houses a rotating collection of some of the coolest, most interesting contemporary craft exhibitions in the country, from video installations to porcelain painting to performance art. That inspired us to break (okay, bend) one of the fundamental rules of branding – “Always be consistent” – and create a logo that was able to change with the exhibitions. To top it off, we created a website that reflected the unique experience of visiting the Art Alliance itself.

SliCE: “A” Pizza Place to “The” Pizza Place

Their outward appearance made SliCE look like any other greasy, mediocre pizza shop. Their pizza was anything but. In preparation for the opening of their third store, we made sure that their signage, packaging, menus, website and staff attire said so.

More here

Think it’s time for a new look? Call or email Letter27 at 215-582-8166 or hello@letter27agency.com

Nicole’s Favorite Things

Spring is finally here! Or according to the weather this past week…summer is. In celebration of this beautiful weather, I was prompted to share some of my favorite spring fashion trends with all of you!

Floral Prints—This spring, fashion runways were full of eye-catching floral inspired prints. I’m especially loving Philly’s own designer sister duo, Aso Damisi, fresh off the Macy’s Philadelphia Fashion Incubator.  Their bold light-weight blazer paired with a simple white top and jeans, makes for the perfect printed spring outfit! Plus, I’m always a huge fan of supporting local!

Aso Damisi, www.asodamisi.com

Turquoise Jewelry— Adding a few classic silver and turquoise bangles are a great way to tie any spring look together. The IPPOLITA’s Stella Bangles and Stella Rings from Bernie Robbins are my favorite accessories for a chic beachy look.

Bernie Robbins, www.bernierobbins.com, 595 Lancaster Ave #1 St Davids, PA

Laser Cut Heels—My favorite spring shoe trends this season are laser cut and ankle straps. ViVi G Shoes (one of my favorite go-tos for unique, designer heels) has these amazing Tori Burch peep toe heels that are perfect for dressing up a spring cocktail dress.

ViVi G Shoes, www.vivigshoes.com, 587 Wilmington W. Chester Pike  Glen Mills, PA

Navy Leather—This is my favorite weather to accessorize and I’ve had my eye on a few navy blue leather handbags this season! Specifically, Gucci’s Soho Navy Leather Tote and the classic Chanel MAXI Quilted Navy Lambskin Leather Flap Bag. In celebration of the season, I may just treat myself!

Happy spring and happy shopping!

Update Your Spring Look for The Cause!

In celebration of National Donate Life Month, join local beauty powerhouse Giovanni & Pileggi for a special fundraiser in support of Gift of Life’s THE Party. For one day only, Giovanni’s talented stylists will be donating 50% of their services to Donors Are Heroes THE Party in support of Gift of Life Donor Program and National Donate Life Month.

Look for some inspiration? Check out our recent post about Giovanni & Pileggi’s Spring Hair Forecast. From the latest color trends to creating a brand new spring look, Giovanni & Pileggi’s stylists keep us in the know on the hottest hair for the season.

Book an appointment at Giovanni & Pileggi for Sunday, April 14^th during Cuts for a Cause! Haircut, color, and blow dry will be discounted at $80.00, haircut and blow dry will be discounted at $40.00, and 50% of proceeds benefit Donors Are Heroes! Call 215.568.3040 to schedule your visit.

Nicole’s Favorite Things

I’m a firm believer that a random recommendation can sometimes turn into the best kind. This week’s recommendations are completely random, but cover all my basic needs; clothes, hair, my brand and my home. So, in round two of my ‘random recommendations’ theme, here are a few of my favorites:

Clothing—New clothes are almost as important to me as keeping my vintage couture in good condition. I trust the one and only All Brite Dry Cleaners & Alterations and Yumi is my number one gal. I’ve been going to her for my alternations for years!

112 South 7th Street Philadelphia, PA, 215-925-5451 (make sure to ask for Yumi)

Hair—Of course, there is no place in Philly like Giovanni & Pileggi!  Joey is the master of the G&P blowout and color. Not that I have any gray to color…but if I did, Joey would be my go-to!

258 S. 11^th St. Philadelphia, PA, www.giovannipileggi.com, 215-568-3040

Branding – You may not know them (yet), but I bet you know Letter27′s work. The Philadelphia Collection, the Philadelphia Antiques Show, SliCE and the Philadelphia Art Alliance all reflect their handiwork. From branding and identity to websites to full-blown marketing campaigns – these girls are all about creating work that’s as smart as it is good-looking.

letter27agency.com,  215-582-8166

Home–I could not survive without a peaceful place to call my own. I trust the savvy (and handsome), Nigel Richards for my house-hunting and buying needs. A Philly native and real estate agent at the Coldwell Banker, Nigel is the best around. He sold four properties last week alone!

223-25 Market St Philadelphia, PA , Coldwell Banker, 215-923-7600

Live Like Your Donor is Watching

Gift of Life Donor Program, the nonprofit organization serving the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware and responsible for recovering and distributing organs and tissues used in life-saving and life-enhancing transplants, is hosting numerous events in April to help raise awareness of National Donate Life Month.  The 11^th Annual THE Party will be  held with the help of Donors Are Heroes, a committed group of volunteers who support Gift of Life, on Friday, April 26^th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia .

Derek Fitzgerald, a Montgomery County resident who was diagnosed with heart failure due to chemotherapy, received a heart transplant in 2011. Since then, he has committed himself to living each moment with as much energy as possible. Here is his story:

I went into surgery for a heart transplant in 2011 on a Monday night and by dinnertime on Tuesday I was using a walker to shuffle through the hallways outside my hospital room. I had been sick for almost a decade. The chemotherapy that had successfully treated my cancer had also left me with a weak and failing heart. For a long time, I had hoped that medications and good living would save me from the need for a transplant. Those hopes vanished as I went into the final days of having all of my original factory-issued parts.

After the surgery, and after I heard those first heartbeats, an amazing thing happened: I began to think about the possibility of a future. I left the hospital in seven days. It wasn’t easy, but I pushed myself hard to eat right, manage my meds and get moving. Eight months after transplant, I competed in my first 5K run; two months after that, my first half marathon. The following year I competed in 17 different endurance events, including my first Donor Dash 5K, a 200 mile relay run, a full marathon, and several triathlons. At the Transplant Games of America this past summer, I heard a quote that really hit home: “Live like your donor is watching” – an easy concept for me to grasp.

I offer thanks to my donor every day, and even though I know nothing of the person that they were, I think about the values that went into the decision to donate their organs and try to use the example they set as the rudder that steers my way in this world.

Since its founding in 1974, Gift of Life has served as the link between donors and patients awaiting life-saving transplants, coordinating more than 35,000 organ transplants and over 500,000 tissue transplants.  For more information about Gift of Life Donor Program or to register today as an organ and tissue donor, please visit www.donors1.org.

To purchase tickets or for more information about THE Party on Friday, April 26th, please visit www.donorsareheroestheparty.com. 

VH1’s Master of The Mix Features Philly’s Own DJ Royale

Monday night marked the third season of Master of the Mix, Smirmoff sponsors an elimination-based competition with round of challenges for up-and-coming DJs from around the country.

In celebration, Philly’s own DJ Royale welcomed guests to his premiere viewing party at Ten Six Club. DJ Royale has become a fixture of the Philly music & nightlife scene over the last 4 years and was selected by Smirnoff Vodka & VH1 to compete in this premiere televised DJ competition.

We are exciting to announce that our very own, Temple Owl, DJ Royale, made to past the first round of the DJ competition and will appear in episode two airing next week.

Make sure to tune in next Monday on Vh1!

For more information visit www.djroyale.net or find DJ Royale on Facebook and Twitter.